The AFL has already come and gone. After six weeks of motion, the 2024 Arizona Fall League culminated with a championship win by the Salt River Rafters. The AFL is sometimes called the “ending faculty” for gamers on the cusp of their MLB debuts, however this yr’s participant pool was numerous, together with some 2024 draftees, a group of highly-touted youngsters, a bunch of late bloomers, some profession minor leaguers, and loads of guys in between.
As in years previous, a flurry of offense dominated the headlines. Groups averaged 6.33 runs per sport, up from 5.67 in each 2022 and 2023. The facility surge was anticipated as the general expertise stage of pitchers remained inferior to the hitter pool, even with the shocking addition of top-prospect Andrew Painter to the Glendale roster. Fireworks will comply with once you combine many thrilling bats with a hitter-friendly atmosphere and poor pitching. As a consequence of favorable conditions for hitters, it’s necessary to take particular person performances with a grain of salt. A participant dominating or struggling within the AFL will not be unusual, and the pattern measurement is sufficiently small to not cross important judgment. Here’s a team-by-team take a look at the top-hitting performances within the 2024 Arizona Fall League.
Glendale Desert Canine
Zyhir Hope (LAD)
I pegged Hope as a possible MVP candidate getting into the autumn, however after an preliminary explosion, he tailed off. Hope hit three homers in his first 5 video games and regarded like he hadn’t missed a beat. As the autumn went on, the strikeouts piled up. Hope completed with a disappointing .228/.301/.446 slash line with 5 homers and a 27.2% strikeout charge. On the plus facet, his batted ball knowledge regarded glorious, together with a number of balls he hit effectively over 100mph. There is no such thing as a doubt that Hope is a dynamic offensive participant, and though the AFL didn’t go as deliberate, he’s on a rocketship trajectory in prospect rankings.
https://www.twitter.com/MLBPipeline/standing/1856439644818145342
Matt McLain (CIN-rehab)
McLain was certainly one of 5 MLB gamers within the fall, joined by Reds teammate Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Thomas Saggese, Niko Kavadas, and a cameo from Jeff McNeil. For McLain, it was a chance to get reps after a misplaced season and an surprising reunion together with his brother Sean. He hit .240 with 4 homers and a .876 OPS. The reps mattered most, and McLain regarded wholesome for the primary time in 15 months.
Colson Montgomery (CHW)
Montgomery made an early exit this fall, enjoying in simply 11 video games in his second stint within the Desert. After a disappointing 2024, Montgomery regarded strong in restricted motion. He slashed .313/.511/.656 with three homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. Montgomery additionally walked 11 instances in his 32 at-bats with simply six strikeouts. Montgomery must be thought-about a slight favourite to be the White Sox’ beginning shortstop in 2025.
Otto Kemp (PHI)
Kemp is a type of late bloomers who involves the AFL extra as a showcase for an NRI spot in spring coaching. He fared effectively, slashing .289/.460/.733 with six homers and 22 RBI, however the 24-year-old doesn’t have a lot fantasy upside and tasks as a profession minor leaguer.
Thomas Saggese (STL)
I used to be impressed with Saggese through the fall. He performed glorious protection at second base and put collectively a bunch of high quality at-bats. He hit .391 with two homers and extra walks (16) than strikeouts (15), which is necessary coming off a season the place he struck out over 25% of the time. Saggese will get an extended look as a utility infielder for the Crimson Birds this spring.
Mesa Photo voltaic Sox
Nick Kurtz (A’s)
The fourth total choose within the 2024 Draft was a late addition to the AFL. He performed in 13 video games, slugging two homers with three doubles and two triples. Kurtz is extra athletic than I gave him credit score for, and in a shock twist, he made his first profession begin within the outfield! Kurtz is a borderline top-five choose in FYPD drafts and will get the quick observe to the majors this summer time.
Two-run 🚀 for @Athletics No. 2 prospect Nick Kurtz!
The 2024 No. 4 total choose now has a 1.103 OPS within the AFL. pic.twitter.com/ltOhu7KMy5
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 12, 2024
Denzel Clarke (A’s)
Denzel Clarke was a standout on a Mesa group loaded with intriguing prospects. Clarke confirmed his athleticism and, extra importantly, good well being this fall. After lacking good parts of the ’22 and ’23 seasons, Clarke performed 116 video games this season at Double-A and 18 extra within the AFL. He hit .382 with two homers, 9 steals, and a 1.061 OPS. A wholesome Clarke ought to power his strategy to the A’s MLB membership late this summer time.
Moises Ballesteros (CHC)
Ballesteros was a man I had eyes on all season within the AFL. His bat is MLB-ready, however the protection was the first purpose for his journey to the desert. I’m undecided that Ballesteros did sufficient to silence these considerations, however he reaffirmed that his bat was professional. The hefty catcher slashed .316/.376/.557 with 5 homers and 16 RBI in 19 video games. Ballesteros confirmed zone management, strong swing choices, and a knack for locating the barrel. It might be a shock if the 21-year-old was not the Cubs backup catcher getting into 2025.
Tre’ Morgan (TBR)
I like Tre’ Morgan. Morgan is a baseball participant, and that’s the very best praise you may give a prospect. His pitch recognition, in-game changes, athleticism, and total angle towards the sport impress me. His maturity to choke up with two strikes is way past his years and jogs my memory of Reds nice Joey Votto. The very best half was that Morgan performed a strong left fielder the whole fall regardless of being the very best defensive first baseman within the minor leagues. Give me 26 Tre’ Morgans, and I’ll win many baseball video games.
Xavier Isaac (TBR)
Then again, I used to be much less impressed with Xavier Isaac. I’m a BIG Isaac man and have him ranked increased than most within the trade. Whereas the autumn could be a drain on gamers who’ve already performed over 100 video games in the summertime, Isaac had a chance to silence his critics. As a substitute, his strikeout woes continued as he whiffed 48.2% of the time. Isaac was capable of showcase his energy with three homers, however to faucet into it, it’s a must to make contact, and Isaac must do it. However he’s nonetheless 20, so it’s far too quickly to surrender; possibly we faucet the brakes a bit?
Niko Kavadas (LAA)
Kavadas was among the many handful of AFL individuals with MLB at-bats, though he struggled to a .183/.283/.333 slash line in 30 video games with the Angels to shut out 2024. Kavadas was named AFL Offensive Participant of the Yr after posting a 1.186 OPS with six homers, six doubles, and 18 RBI. Swings and misses continued to be an issue for Kavadas, who struck out 41.4% of the time within the AFL after whiffing 44.1% of the time within the huge leagues. With the Angels in a whole rebuild, the 26-year-old first baseman ought to get loads of appears within the majors this season.
Peoria Javelinas
Colt Emerson (SEA)
Though he formally departed the AFL on November fifth, Mariners’ high prospect Colt Emerson appeared in simply 13 video games attributable to a minor hamstring damage. Emerson was the most popular hitter within the AFL through the first week, going 11-for-20 with six doubles, six RBI, and a stolen base. Most of his harm was finished in his first sport, though Emerson nonetheless completed his fall with a .370/.435/.537 slash line with eight stolen bases and 9 extra-base hits.
Ethan Salas (SDP)
I used to be slower than most to return round on Salas being a greater real-life participant than a fantasy asset. The child was 17 years previous and enjoying at Double-A when most children within the US would nonetheless be highschool juniors. We knew the bat wasn’t as much as par, however we nonetheless criticized him, and a few labeled him a bust. Salas wasn’t nice this fall, however he confirmed that the bat is progressing greater than we anticipated. Salas posted a .228 common with 4 homers, six doubles, and 21 RBI. Whereas his strikeout charge was close to 30%, he did stroll at a 15% clip and confirmed higher plate self-discipline than his stats would point out. Salas will flip 19 on June 1st, and there’s an outdoor probability he’ll rejoice his birthday as a giant leaguer.
Kemp Alderman (MIA)
In the end, his new spouse prevailed, and Alderman left his sizzling begin within the AFL for marital bliss. Within the 9 video games Alderman performed, he mashed six residence runs with a .306 common and a .833 SLG. The Marlins could give Alderman a shot this season, as the child is aware of how you can hit bombs, and the offense in South Florida might use a lift. Contemplate Alderman a single patty Jake Burger with simply as many toppings.
Juan Baez (MIL)
Often, Baez, who is nineteen, can be the youngest participant on this group and possibly in the entire AFL. However with Salas and Leo DeVries additionally on the Peoria squad, Baez appears like a grizzled vet. The diminutive infielder had a pleasant AFL, slashing .295/.402/.474 with two homers and 6 extra-base hits. His body has little projection left, however Baez has proven some uncooked energy and a really feel for hitting regardless of his measurement (5’10”, 175 lbs).
Leodalis De Vries (SDP) and Brock Wilken (MIL) are grouped collectively, as neither participant had an amazing AFL. De Vries completed with a .179 common and two homers in 18 video games however by no means regarded overwhelmed or misplaced. As a substitute, his athleticism and uncooked expertise stood out regardless of undesirable outcomes. Then again, Wilken struggled mightily. He slashed .155/.260/.310 with 32 strikeouts in 84 at-bats (38.1% strikeout charge), albeit with 4 residence runs. This efficiency concludes a forgettable 2024 for the 18th total choose in 2023.
Salt River Rafters
Caleb Durbin (NYY)
Durbin was all the fashion within the AFL, much more so than MVP Josue Briceno. The 24-year-old Yankees’ farm hand confirmed off each software in his bag this fall and can be a helium identify getting into spring coaching. Durbin was a strong offensive performer, slashing .312/.427/.548 with 5 homers and 21 RBI. Durbin walked 17 instances in comparison with six strikeouts, reinforcing how spectacular his hit software is. Durbin set the AFL file with 29 stolen bases in simply 24 video games to cap all of it off. That broke the earlier file of 24 steals set when the league performed a 50-game schedule.
Tommy Troy (ARI)
A strong efficiency within the AFL was important to Tommy Troy, and he delivered. The Diamondbacks’ first-round choose in 2023 battled quite a few accidents this season and at last regarded like himself this fall. Troy batted .290 with three homers and 4 steals, however most significantly, he bought himself wholesome for the primary time in 2024. I used to be lucky sufficient to see him play towards Mesa throughout FPAZ, and Troy belted a monster residence run onto the berm in left discipline, exhibiting off the ability stroke we knew he had. I’m excited to see what a wholesome Troy can do in 2025.
Garrett Martin (NYY)
I added Martin to the record as he gained the AFL Residence Run Derby. Martin has a ton of uncooked energy and belted 5 homers within the AFL common season, along with the 26 he mashed throughout his successful efficiency. The 24-year-old had 12 spherical trippers throughout two ranges of A-Ball this yr in his first skilled season.
Scottsdale Scorpions
Josue Briceno (DET)
Getting into the AFL, any discuss centering on catchers surrounded Salas and Briceno’s group mate, Thayron Liranzo. That modified rapidly, as Briceno placed on a masterclass of energy en path to a league-leading ten residence runs, a unanimous choice as league MVP, and the primary Triple Crown in AFL historical past. The outburst began with a three-homer sport on October eleventh, and Briceno by no means slowed. He completed the autumn with a .443/.509/.867 slash line with 5 doubles, three triples, and 27 RBI, along with the homers. Briceno walked 15 instances in comparison with 21 strikeouts and had a 1.376 OPS, the best in AFL historical past. Briceno had a fame as an above-average hitter, however his efficiency this fall grabbed everybody’s consideration.
Josue Briceno @tigers with an reverse discipline double. He at the moment leads the AFL in AVG, SLG, OPS, HR, HITS and RBI. His information of the zone is high notch and might pull for giant energy or like right here, drive it to reverse discipline. #ProspectOne pic.twitter.com/VDkGfXQhOu
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) November 14, 2024
Drew Gilbert (NYM)
Gilbert had respectable outcomes this fall. The nice was discovering his energy stroke to mash 4 homers whereas posting a 23.6% stroll charge and .380 OBP. His .208 batting common wasn’t nice, however Gilbert regarded wholesome and was shifting effectively after a hamstring damage value him over three months of the 2024 season.
Jett Williams (NYM)
Gilbert’s teammate, Jett Williams, is a troublesome participant for me to evaluate. I attempt onerous to consider in his expertise and athleticism, however the extra I watch, the extra flaws I see. In a prospect battle final offseason, I used to be pro-Williams and thought he had endurance regardless of his measurement. In any case, Williams had proven elite in-zone contact abilities (90%) within the decrease ranges. These contact abilities regressed horribly within the higher minors this season and didn’t enhance through the AFL, as Williams struck out 30 instances in 80 at-bats (37.5%). On the plus facet, Williams swiped seven luggage and walked round 20% of the time.
Thayron Liranzo (DET)
If I needed to choose the Tigers’ catcher who can be the AFL MVP, I might have chosen Liranzo 99 instances out of 100. Liranzo was purple sizzling getting into the AFL after ending his 2024 season by hitting .315 with 5 homers and 20 RBIs in August and September. Liranzo was fantastic; he simply wasn’t Briceno. The 21-year-old slashed .375/.492/.667 with two homers and 6 doubles in 15 video games and mashed a three-run homer to win the Fall Stars Sport and sport MVP. The most important takeaway for Liranzo was a formidable defensive exhibiting behind the plate, in line with my pal Chris Clegg.
Shock Saguaros
Jac Caglianone (KCR)
Cags had a sluggish begin to his skilled profession, struggling barely at Excessive-A to shut 2024. He regarded significantly better within the AFL, exhibiting off his persistence on the plate and reminding everybody that his energy is professional. Caglianone belted 5 homers and 4 doubles however posted only a .749 OPS. Now that he’s settling in, I anticipate an enormous offensive season from Caglianone in 2025.
Creed Willems (BAL)
Willems is a ton of enjoyable to look at and simply had the very best hair within the AFL. The 21-year-old Orioles’ catching prospect confirmed a refined offensive with a easy swing that drove the ball to all fields. Willems completed with a .338 common and .891 OPS in 19 video games, which included two homers, 5 doubles, and a very good triple (video beneath).
Creed Willems triple! Have a look at this man fly! pic.twitter.com/B8o86ZlEaP
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) October 19, 2024
Chase DeLauter (CLE)
I ponder why the Guardians despatched DeLauter for spherical two within the Desert. Whereas he missed important time for the second straight season, the danger of reinjuring that foot once more considerably outweighs the 47 at-bats he amassed this Fall. His second stint will in the end be a hit, as DeLauter left the AFL wholesome. In his 12 video games, he hit .340 with one residence run and 5 doubles, including in 12 walks in comparison with simply six punchouts. When he’s wholesome, DeLauter is a no-doubt top-10 prospect.
